Since assuming the role of creative director at J.Crew, Olympia Gayot has become a social-media sensation for a reason: When it comes to getting dressed, “it’s all about ease,” says the designer and mother, who’s won over 180,000-plus Instagram followers, thanks to a low-maintenance, high-impact style equation that melds practical, polished, and playful elements of style. “I love fashion and dressing up,” she explains, “but it’s never forced or uncomfortable.”
With two sons to drop at school before heading to the J.Crew offices in New York City, there’s little time to labor over her outfit; instead, she reaches for classic silhouettes in unexpected tones and textures. As she puts it, “It’s about those things that highlight you—whether it’s a shiny shoe or suede bag or a little [lip] gloss—so that not everything is one note.”
Unsurprisingly, her beauty cabinet is as fuss-free as her viral wardrobe. “I try to use products that are really nourishing and make my skin feel good,” she says. But that doesn’t mean that Gayot, who first moved to New York to study painting at the School of Visual Arts, doesn’t delight in a pop of strategically placed color: “I actually love makeup as much as I love fashion,” she muses. “It’s a way to express yourself, just like clothes.”
Below, Gayot shares the makings of her fall uniform, from year-round essentials to seasonal thrills.
J. Crew Brushed Cashmere Cropped Sweater
“I love the idea of something fuzzy—it’s so sultry. Mohair and angora are super bad for the environment and animals, so we invented this brushed cashmere after experimenting for years. The texture is super elevated. This V-neck reminds me of [Nastassja Kinski in] Paris, Texas. Every girl in the office has been wearing it.”
Westman Atelier Skin Activator & Suprême C Concentrate
“I have rosacea, and everything triggers it—airplanes, alcohol, spicy food—but, since using these two serums, my skin is completely calm and moisturized. As someone who’s always on the move, these have saved me and given me that glow my skin needs.”
Araks Gita Underwire Bra & Gwyneth Panty
“Araks makes the most beautiful lingerie that’s feminine and light, airy and comfortable. It’s the kind of lingerie that you want to show, whether your strap peeks out or you’re wearing it with something sheer. I love the Cardinal, which is a beautiful rich red. Red feels like a neutral to me. It’s like leopard: it always looks great.”
J. Crew Wrap Wool Trench Coat
“A beautiful coat can give you that edge. I love this Italian-wool top style in camel because it’s a gorgeous fall color and it looks great on every skin tone. It’s very chic and refined.”
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer
“A lot of concealers can be drying and accentuate wrinkles, but this one is so moisturizing. There’s a good amount of coverage, but it’s super light, and you never feel like you’re wearing makeup. It makes my skin really happy.”
Savette Sport Convertible Clutch
“My boss makes fun of me because I’m always running around the office with a bag. She’s like, ‘You carry your purse everywhere! You’re like a Golden Girl.’ But I need my stuff! Savette makes pretty, logo-free handbags. This chic crossbody would be perfect for my phone and keycard.”
Alex Eagle Studio The Classic Jean
“Alex Eagle is a British designer who knows how to play with that classic, tailored, menswear-inspired [look]. These jeans have that perfect stovepipe shape and come in a very clean, dark-indigo wash that you can wear with a T-shirt or dress up.”
Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded in Peau de Soleil
“I like to have a little bit of a tan in the fall and winter. This tinted product gives you that perfect, beautiful glow that makes your skin look really healthy.”
J. Crew Teagan T-Strap Heels
“These shoes have a little block heel, which gives you a bit of height. They’re very demure, but because the patent is glossy they’re also kind of sexy. I got dressed fast today because I had to drop off my kids and be in the office at 9am. so I’m wearing them in burgundy with a cashmere sweater, camel coat, and jeans.”
Eveliina Vintage 1930s Slip Dress
“Slip dresses are so versatile. Eveliina Vintage is run by a mother and her twin daughters from Finland. They source Victorian era to 1930s and 40s vintage pieces and then hand-dye them. I’d wear this blush-colored dress to an event with a tuxedo jacket, or to work with a ballet slipper and a big cashmere sweater on top.”
